KVR Audio

v1o · Post by **v1o** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 8:04 pm

The description of the software virtual studio is now a cliché. According to SOS it's a "virtual environment consisting of a studio rack in which the user assembles an array of software drum machines and analogue synths, devices for handling samples, and sequencing tools that are usually loop- and pattern-based".

In my own mind these are DAWs that are designed to be virtual recreations of hardware midi studios. They typically contain racked synths, drum machines, pattern sequencers and effect boxes. They also typically do not record digital audio and lack audio tracks (but not always). And IMO they are usually a lot more fun to compose in or sketch out ideas than traditional linear DAWs like Cubase, Logic and Pro Tools.

Reason is probably the only one that still exists on the market today. All the rest have faded away into the history books but they deserve to be remembered.

Synapse Orion Platinum
This one had great synths like Ultran and one of the best loop based sequences. The mixer had coloured EQs which sounded fantastic.

Arturia Storm Studio
Honestly this was a toy.

Cakewalk Project5
Cakewalk Project5 which was discontinued prematurely, soon after v2.5 launched. It had a very loyal following.

Ultrano Virtual Studio

.jon · Post by **.jon** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 8:17 pm

Caustic 3 certainly fits this category, and I think Mulab could as well if we aren't too picky.

http://www.singlecellsoftware.com/caustic
http://www.mutools.com/mulab-product.html

Robert Randolph · Post by **Robert Randolph** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 8:38 pm

.jon wrote:Caustic 3 certainly fits this category, and I think Mulab could as well if we aren't too picky.

http://www.singlecellsoftware.com/caustic
http://www.mutools.com/mulab-product.html

If we're not too picky, we should include Pro Tools too.

Maybe Cubase and Logic as well...

and...

v1o · Post by **v1o** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 8:39 pm

.jon wrote:Caustic 3 certainly fits this category, and I think Mulab could as well if we aren't too picky.

http://www.singlecellsoftware.com/caustic
http://www.mutools.com/mulab-product.html

Caustic looks really cool. And there is a whole world of iOS and Android ones that I have never really gotten into.

chk071 · Post by **chk071** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 8:40 pm

I remember having high hopes for that freeware Reason clone, which never got further development. I don't even remember its name. Someone here surely knows it.

Numanoid · Post by **Numanoid** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 8:41 pm

Why do you reckon Storm was a toy?

That's like putting down Reason, as Storm 3.0 had more going for it than Reason at the time.

rod_zero · Post by **rod_zero** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 8:44 pm

IMHO Ableton Live also can be on this category, it started as a big sampler for composition and performance, then got instruments to improve upon the sound design side.

IMHO maybe all "DAWs" that weren't designed for recording in a traditional studio (protools, logic, digital performer, sonar) are "studios ITB".

rod_zero · Post by **rod_zero** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 8:44 pm

IMHO Ableton Live also can be on this category, it started as a big sampler for composition and performance, then got instruments to improve upon the sound design side.

IMHO maybe all "DAWs" that weren't designed for recording in a traditional studio (protools, logic, digital performer, sonar) are "studios ITB".

xbitz · Post by **xbitz** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 8:47 pm

AIR Transfuser is quite close to your definition IMO

Monsum · Post by **Monsum** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 9:02 pm

Smaller brother of Cakewalk Project 5 - Kinetic, which I liked for its simplicity.

Guenon · Post by **Guenon** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 9:13 pm

Orion was released before Reason so at least that one isn't actually a clone

Recent software in sort of this vein that hasn't yet been mentioned: Korg Gadget. It's a nice one.

Numanoid · Post by **Numanoid** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 9:19 pm

Guenon wrote:Orion was released before Reason so at least that one isn't actually a clone

Indeed, good point, I didn't realize how ancient Orion is, v3 was released in 2002

http://www.kvraudio.com/news/sonic_synd ... leased_285

Impodiam · Post by **Impodiam** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 11:54 pm

Orion looks like it was really fun to use. Shame it was discontinued before I discovered it...
Synths look like they would of been a blast to use. Especially WaveFusion Tomcat and Toxic.
Oh well

SIdenote: Looking at all these Deceased DAWs makes me wonder what the market will look like in 20 years from now.

pottering · Post by **pottering** » Fri Sep 29, 2017 1:30 am

Besides being completely different from Reason (Ableton was audio-only, and Reason MIDI-only, for quite a while), Ableton was founded in 1999 and the 1st prototypes made by Henke and Behles in Max date to 1995.

pheeleep · Post by **pheeleep** » Fri Sep 29, 2017 2:06 am

FL Studio fits the bill (named Fruity loops at the time)

Lets Discuss: The Complete History of Reason Clones